Former All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant and Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), Pastor Tunde Bakare, has strongly criticized the close alliance between the executive and legislative branches under President Bola Tinubu, warning that it undermines Nigeria’s democracy.
Delivering his State of the Nation address on Sunday at his Lagos church, Bakare expressed deep concern over the current trajectory of the country, stating that Nigeria is “steering in the wrong direction.”
Addressing President Tinubu directly, he said:
“Under your watch, legislative oversight is collapsing, and our democracy faces an existential threat. Nigeria is too delicate for this kind of politics.”
Referring to Tinubu’s political mantra “emi lo kan” (it’s my turn), Bakare argued that if it was meant to enable what he described as “state capture,” then it would ultimately be counterproductive.
“Mr. President, no man is wise enough or good enough to be trusted with unlimited power. Please, stop playing God!” he declared.
Bakare accused Tinubu of using his influence to turn the National Assembly into a tool of executive control.
“The Tenth Assembly has abandoned its constitutional duty, becoming a rubber stamp for the president’s agenda,” he said.
Citing recent developments—such as the legislative endorsement of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan—Bakare argued that the separation of powers is being dangerously eroded.
“The National Assembly has effectively become the 48th member of the president’s cabinet, while a cabinet minister now behaves like a third-term governor in Rivers, enjoying presidential indulgence,” he added.
Bakare’s remarks come amid growing concerns about executive overreach and the independence of Nigeria’s legislative institutions.
